Nairobi, KENYA: The Orange Democratic Movement has condemned summons issued to several Civil Society groups and Non-Governmental organizations by the state on grounds that they are operating illegally, terming them as acts of intimidation by the Jubilee administration through the NGO Board.
In a press statement, ODM chair John Mbadi said that summons issued to Inuka Kenya, Katiba Institute and the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) were issued by the state on fears that they may be planning to file petitions challenging the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mbadi termed such acts as ill-informed, following the fact that Kenya has come of age and the freedoms they enjoy as embedded in the constitution must be respected by everyone including those in power.
“The ODM party is perturbed by the continued harassment of Civil Society organizations and NGO’s by the state with threats of de-registration and or suspension if they refuse to tore the line. Such organizations do not exist to aid the government of the day but to be the voice of the voiceless in the society and assist the less privileged.”Mbadi said.
He said that it is unfortunate for the Jubilee administration to use the NGO Board as a tool to suffocate Civil Society groups and NGOs with the aim of forcing them to support it.
He reiterated that the ODM party stands with these organizations which have been instrumental in shaping the destiny of the country and ensuring that the constitution and the rule of law are adhered with by those in power.
” We condemn such autocratic acts by the Jubilee regime which knows very well that the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta was not done in accordance with the law and will be nullified if a petition is filed.”He said.
